Explore the impact of a family history of ovarian cancer on breast cancer risk with Meri Sehat. Stay informed for proactive health decisions.

Is A Family History Of Ovarian Cancer A Risk Factor For Breast Cancer?

Breast and ovarian cancers are two of the most common cancers affecting women. You are at a higher risk of developing them if a close relative has been diagnosed with either of these cancers.

Introduction

Inherited mutations in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes are known to increase the risk of both breast and ovarian cancers. About 3% of breast cancers and 10% of ovarian cancers are caused by inherited mutations in these genes1. Other inherited mutations can also increase the risk of developing breast and ovarian cancers, but BRCA1 and BRCA2 are the most common.

Even though breast cancer is more common in women, men with these mutations are also at an increased risk of developing breast cancer. Additionally, BRCA mutations can also increase the risk of pancreatic cancer and, in men, high-grade prostate cancer.

Genetic counseling and testing can help you determine if you are at increased risk for these cancers and allow you to take steps to prevent them or detect them earlier when they are more treatable.

This article explores the link between breast and ovarian cancer, and how your family health history can help you assess your risk for these cancers. 
&nbsp;

Understanding the link between Ovarian Cancer and Breast Cancer

Ovarian cancer is a term used to describe a group of diseases that begin in the ovaries, fallopian tubes, or the peritoneum, which is the lining of the abdominal cavity.

In women, the reproductive system includes two ovaries in the pelvis, one on each side of the uterus. Ovaries don&rsquo;t just produce eggs. They are also responsible for the female sex hormones estrogen and progesterone, which play an important role in the development of female reproductive organs and the regulation of the menstrual cycle.

Ovarian cancer affects their ability to function properly and causes a range of symptoms, including abdominal pain, bloating, and changes in bowel habits. Successful treatment and survival depend on early detection and treatment of cancer. 
&nbsp;

Hereditary Breast and Ovarian Cancer (HBOC) is a genetic condition that is passed down from one generation to another within a family. It is caused by mutations in two genes, called BRCA1 and BRCA<a href="#accordion">[2]</a>. 
&nbsp;

These genes play a crucial role in regulating the growth and repair of cells in the body, including breast and ovarian cells. Women who carry a harmful mutation in either BRCA1 or BRCA2 have an increased risk of developing breast and ovarian cancers during their lifetime.

The risk of developing breast cancer is estimated to be between 40-85% for women with a BRCA1 mutation. BRCA2 carriers have about the same risk of breast cancer<a href="#accordion">[2]</a>. The risk of developing ovarian cancer is 39-44% for BRCA1 mutations and 11-17% for BRCA2 mutations<a href="#accordion">[3]</a>. 
&nbsp;

HBOC is usually considered in case of a personal or family history of any of the following:

<ul>
	<li>Women diagnosed with breast cancer at the age of 45 or younger</li>
	<li>Women diagnosed with breast cancer at the age of 46-50 or younger, along with at least one close blood relative with breast cancer at any age or limited family history</li>
	<li>Women diagnosed with triple negative breast cancer at the age of 60 or younger</li>
	<li>Men diagnosed with breast cancer at any age</li>
	<li>Individuals diagnosed with ovarian, fallopian tube, or primary peritoneal cancer</li>
	<li>Individuals diagnosed with cancer in both breasts</li>
	<li>Individuals diagnosed with pancreatic cancer or <a href="https://merisehat.pk/disease/prostate-cancer">prostate cancer</a> with a Gleason score of 7 or higher</li>
	<li>Individuals with a family history of breast, ovarian, pancreatic, or prostate cancer among multiple blood relatives</li>
	<li>Individuals with Ashkenazi (Eastern European) Jewish ancestry</li>
	<li>Individuals with a known BRCA mutation in the family 
	&nbsp;</li>
</ul>

Individuals at high risk should consider genetic counseling and testing to determine if they carry a harmful mutation in one of these genes, and to explore options for managing their cancer risk, such as increased surveillance or risk-reducing surgeries. 
&nbsp;

Yes, women with a family history of ovarian cancer should consider undergoing breast cancer screening at an earlier age than women without a family history.

The American Cancer Society recommends that women with a family history of breast or ovarian cancer consider genetic counseling and testing to determine if they have a higher risk of developing cancer<a href="#accordion">[4]</a>. 
&nbsp;

Women with a BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutation have the following screening options:

<ul>
	<li>Monthly breast self-examinations beginning at 18 years</li>
	<li>Bi-annual clinical breast examinations beginning at 25 years</li>
	<li>Annual MRI scans of both breasts between ages 25 and 29</li>
	<li>Annual breast MRI and mammogram between ages 30 and 75</li>
	<li>Bi-annual pelvic exam, a transvaginal ultrasound, and CA-125 blood test beginning at age 30-35</li>
	<li>Prophylactic salpingo-oophorectomy between ages 35 and 40 and after the woman is done giving birth to children 
	&nbsp;</li>
</ul>

Men with a BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutation have the following screening options:

<ul>
	<li>Monthly breast self-examinations beginning at 35 years</li>
	<li>Annual clinical breast examinations beginning at 35 years</li>
	<li>Baseline mammogram beginning at age 35 (in case of BRCA2 mutation along with gynecomastia)</li>
	<li>Annual prostate cancer screening, PSA blood test, and digital rectal exam beginning at 45 years 
	&nbsp;</li>
</ul>

Note: Talk to your doctor about your screening options as each person is different and also because, with new methods being developed, these options may change over time. 
&nbsp;

The following lifestyle changes can help reduce the risk of breast cancer in women with a family history of ovarian cancer<a href="#accordion">[5]</a>: 
&nbsp;

<h5>Maintaining A Healthy Weight</h5>

Studies have shown that women who are overweight or obese are more likely to develop breast cancer, particularly after menopause. Therefore, women with a family history of ovarian cancer should maintain a healthy weight through a healthy diet and regular exercise. 
&nbsp;

<h5>Sticking With Your Exercise Program</h5>

Regular physical activity can help reduce the risk of breast cancer in women, including those with a family history of ovarian cancer. Studies have shown that women who engage in regular physical activity have a lower risk of developing breast cancer than those who lead a sedentary lifestyle. It is recommended that women engage in at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity exercise per week. 
&nbsp;

<h5>Quitting Alcohol</h5>

Alcohol consumption has been linked to an increased risk of breast cancer. Women with a family history of ovarian cancer should quit alcohol to reduce their risk of breast cancer. 
&nbsp;

<h5>Eating A Healthy Diet</h5>

A healthy diet, which is rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, may help reduce the risk of breast cancer. Additionally, it is recommended that women limit their intake of processed and red meats to further reduce their risk. 
&nbsp;

Note: These lifestyle changes may not eliminate the increased risk associated with a family history of ovarian cancer. However, they can still be beneficial in reducing the risk of breast cancer and improving overall health. 
&nbsp;

Conclusion

A family history of ovarian cancer is a risk factor for breast cancer. Women with a first-degree relative (mother, sister, or daughter) with ovarian cancer have a higher risk of developing breast cancer than women without a family history. Additionally, women with a family history of both breast and ovarian cancer have an even higher risk of developing breast cancer. 
&nbsp;

Women with a family history of ovarian cancer need to undergo breast cancer screening at an earlier age and consider genetic counseling and testing to determine if they have a higher risk of developing cancer.

While lifestyle changes such as maintaining a healthy weight, engaging in regular physical activity, and quitting alcohol can help reduce the risk of breast cancer, they may not eliminate the increased risk associated with a family history of cancer. Therefore, early detection through regular screening and genetic counseling is important to manage the risk of breast cancer in women with a family history of ovarian cancer. 
&nbsp;

Key Takeaways

<ul>
	<li>Family history of ovarian cancer is a risk factor for breast cancer. Women with a first-degree relative with ovarian cancer have a higher risk of developing breast cancer than women without a family history.</li>
	<li>Women with a family history of both breast and ovarian cancer have a higher risk of developing breast cancer.</li>
	<li>Women with a family history of ovarian cancer should consider undergoing breast cancer screening at an earlier age than women without a family history.</li>
	<li>Early detection through regular breast cancer screening and genetic counseling is important to manage the risk of breast cancer in women with a family history of ovarian cancer. 
	&nbsp;</li>
</ul>

[1] The BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

[2] Pruthi S, Gostout BS, Lindor NM. Identification and Management of Women With BRCA Mutations or Hereditary Predisposition for Breast and Ovarian Cancer. Mayo Clin Proc. 2010;85(12):1111-1120. doi:10.4065/mcp.2010.0414

[3] Walker M, Jacobson M, Sobel M. Management of ovarian cancer risk in women with BRCA1/2 pathogenic variants. CMAJ. 2019;191(32):E886-E893. doi:10.1503/cmaj.190281

Trusted By